How to Fold the Harrier Origami Paper Airplane

Introduction: How to Fold the Harrier Origami Paper Airplane

Welcome to my tutorial for the awesome paper airplane known as the Harrier. This is one of the quickest, easiest, and best flying paper airplanes I know how to make, so it's great for impressing friends and killing boredom. Feel free to watch my video, read the instructable, or both! So let's get started!

Step 1: Create the Center Crease

Holding the paper in landscape (lengthwise as shown in the first picture), fold the top edge down to the bottom edge, then unfold. This should be a very accurate fold, as it sets up the symmetry for the rest of the model. After you have creased and unfolded, rotate the paper to the vertical position as shown in the last picture.

Step 2: Fold in Top Edges

Start with the top right edge. Fold it down so that the top edge runs parallel to the center crease. The edge should not actually touch the center crease, but it should come very very close. Do the same on the top left edge. The end result should look like the last image.

Step 3: Fold Top Corner Down

Take the topmost point and fold it down to about an inch above the bottom edge of the paper. There is no precise measurement, and the value changes with different sizes of paper. One thing is crucial here: the center crease MUST remain aligned all the way from the top to the bottom.

Step 4: Fold in Top Edges

As we did in step two, fold the top right edge down parallel to the center crease so that it almost touches it. The paper will be thicker now so you may need to press harder to keep the paper from wrinkling. Do the same thing to the top left edge. The result should look like the last picture.

Step 5: Secure the Wings

You will notice a small triangular projection in the center of your plane. Fold this upwards over the folds from the last step and crease strongly. Then mountain fold along the center crease and position the model as shown.

Step 6: Form the Wings

Take the top layer wing and fold it down at an angle. I like to leave a little bit of a nose, but you should experiment to see what works best for you. Crease this fold lightly, then flip the model over. Try to make both wings identical by lining up this wing's edges with the first wing. Crease lightly, then gently lift the wings up to just above parallel to the ground. Watch my video to learn how to trim a paper airplane (how to get it to fly straight or do stunts!)

Step 7: Get Gliding!

Give it a test flight! Again, watch my video to learn how to control a paper airplane's flight. Let me know in the comments how this project went for you! If you liked this tutorial, check out my Instructables profile here or go to my YouTube Channel How to Origami. If you want more, subscribe and give me a like! I appreciate your support, and welcome all feedback. See you next time!